Which line should JJ Peterka be on next season?

It was a successful sophomore campaign for Buffalo Sabers forward JJ Peterka. As the only Saber to play in all 82 games, the German winger had a 50-point season with 28 goals and 22 assists. It was also at +10 in 2023/2024. In his second year he doubled the number of goals scored in 2022/2023 (14), so Peterka was a pleasant surprise this year for the blue and gold.

Just like his teammates, Peterka played with different linemates. He spent the majority of his time with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn before Quinn was injured. Towards the end of the season however, JJ saw himself on a line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.

After former head coach Don Granato made the switch, Peterka thrived on his new line. However, looking ahead to next season, where should new head coach Lindy Ruff place the German forward? With his success on the top line, JJ has great chemistry on the kid line with Cozens and Quinn.

No matter where he plays, there’s no doubt he’ll be a top-six pick. JJ is an important part of this Buffalo team as he finished second in goals and fourth in points. If I had to predict, I think Peterka will be on the first line.

While I like what he brings with the kid line, his play this season has earned him a spot on the top line. No matter where he is in the lineup, he’s going to excel. But based on what the Sabers do in free agency and how he performs, leaving JJ with Tage and Tuch would be my decision if I were the coach.

The Sabers will have some decisions to make during the 2024/2025 offseason. While there are bigger issues they need to resolve, determining where Peterka plays will be something they need to discuss.